Processing apparatus for photosensitive film



PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR PHOTOSENSITIVE FILM Filed June 1.5, 1964 H. D. LOWRY Jan. 24, 1967 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR. W 14/ [ax/z [L HA HOLD 0. L OWRY A r TORNEYS Jan. 24, 1967 H. D. LOWRY 3,299,793

PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR PHOTOSENSITIVE FILM Filed June 1.5, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 l l l I l l HAROLD 0. LOWRY INVENTQR.

A T TORNE Y5 Jan. 24, 1967 ow 3,299,793

PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR PHOTOSENSITIVE FILM Filed June l5, 1964 4 SheetsSheet 5 AT TORNE Y5 PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR PHOTOSENSITIVE FILM Filed June 15, 1964 H. D. LOWRY Jan. 24, 1967 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 A TTORA/E YS United States Patent O 3,299,793 PROCESSENG APPARATUS FOR PHOTO- SENSITIVE FILM Harold D. Lowry, Rochester, N.Y., assignor to Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N.Y., a corporation of New Jersey Filed June 15, 1964, Ser. No. 375,023 Claims. (Cl. 95-94) This invention relates generally to photographic apparatus, and more specifically to an improved photographic apparatus for processing photosensitive film or the like.

Photographic processing apparatus in which an exposed photosensitive film or the like is moved into surface engagement with a film or layer of processing solution to eflectprocessing are well known in the art. An apparatus of this type is disclosed in US. Patent No. 2,548,573, Wampole et 211., April 10, 1951. One disadvantage of a processing device of this type is that it is impossible to suddenly interrupt the processing, and be assured that the developer and fix solutions applied immediately prior to the interruption have been rinsed and squeeged from the emulsion surface of the film. Interruption of the processing at any desired time is particularly advantageous in those situations where it is desired to process only a part of an exposed length of film, the remaining exposed film to be processed at a later time. This advantageous result is achieved in applicants improved processing apparatus by the provision of a film moving shoe actuated.

by a cam and lever linkage arrangement to move the emulsion surface of the film sequentially into surface contact with a squeegee, and rinse, fix and developer zones of solution in that order during initiation of the processing cycle, and to sequentially retract the film in a reverse order on completion of the processing cycle.

Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved photographic processing apparatus for an exposed, photosensitive film or the like that permits random interruption of the processing.

Anotherobject of the invention is to provide an improved photographic processing apparatus capable of interrupting the processing to permit processing only a portion of an exposed length of film without spoiling any of the remaining exposed film which can then be processed at a later time.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved photographic processing apparatus for film or the like that is of simple design and construction, thoroughly reliable and efficient in operation, and economical to manufacture.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a processing apparatus having a film moving means acmated by a cam and lever linkage mechanism to move the emulsion surface of the film sequentially into surface contact with rinse and developing zones of solution during initiation of the processing cycle, and to sequentially retract the film in a reverse order on completion of the processing cycle.

Objects and advantages other than those set forth above will be apparent from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view partially in section of a photographic processing apparatus shown in an operative processing position and constructed in accordance with one embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a segmental view similar to FIG. 1 showing a portion of the processing apparatus in a partially retracted position for interrupting the processing operation;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the processing apparatus in an inoperative position;

FIG. 4 is a top view in perspective of the processing block;

FIG. 5 is a segmental view showing the film threading mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a schematic wiring diagram for the processing apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is an end elevation view of the processing apparatus of FIG. 1.

Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of a photographic processing apparatus according to the present invention is disclosed in FIG. 1. This processing apparatus essentially comprises the following elements which will be considered in more complete detail hereinafter: (l) a processing block 10 for providing a squeegee and developing, fixing, and rinsing zones of solution, (2) a film positioning and transport mechanism for transporting a film or strip 12 in a normal non-processing position in which the film is out of engagement with the squeegee and rinse, fix and developer zones of solution, (3) a film threading mechanism for threading a film through the processing apparatus, and (4) a film moving mechanism for moving the emulsion surface of a film 12 sequentially into surface contact with the squeegee, and rinse, fix and developer zones of solution in that order upon initiation of a processing operation, and to sequentially retract the film in the reverse order on completion of the processing cycle.

The processing block 10 as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4 comprises a solid stainless-steel block machined to provide projections 14, 15 and 18. Openings 20, 22 and 24 are drilled into block it) terminating along one of the ends of each of the respective projections 14, 16 and 18. Caps 26, 28, and 3% having respective slits 32, 34, and 36 therein are secured to each end of the respective projections 14, 16 and 18 to direct a processing solution along upper surfaces 38, 4t) and 42 of the respective projections 14, 16 and 18. The width of slits 32, 34 and 36 may *be varied, although a slit width of .004 of an inch has been found to work very well. The upper surfaces 38, 40 and 42 of respective projections 14, 16, and 18 are machined to provide respective side ribs 44, 46 and 48 to direct the flow of solution across the upper surfaces 38, 40 and 42 from one end to the other. The caps 26, 28 and 30 extend slightly above the level of the respective upper surfaces 38, 40 and 42, and hence solu tions introduced through the slits 32, 34 and 36 form films or layers of solution flowing along the upper surfaces 38, 40 and 42 and between the ribs 44, 46 and 48 thereof defining developing, fixing and rinsing zones of solution. Two heating elements 50, only one of which is shown, of any suitable type are mounted within block 19 for heating the block and any solutions introduced through openings 29, 22 and 24 to any desired processing temperature. The temperature of block 10 and the processing solutions flowing therethrough is controlled by a thermostat 52, also mounted within block 10. A bracket 54 is secured to one end of block 10 on which is mounted a wiper blade squeegee 56 comprising two rectangular strips of silicone rubber material folded over and the ends thereof held together by a U-shaped clamp 58. The solution is fed under a slight pressure to one end of the upper surface of each of the projections, and flows out as at the opposite end of the upper surface into drainage grooves 60 leading into a drain trough 62 secured to the periphery of block 19. The solution collected in trough 62 passes through a conduit 64 to a drain, not shown.

Any suitable film transport system may be used for transporting film 12 through the processor, and is shown in this invention as a pair of opposed, transport rollers 66, 68. An idler roller 70 supports film 12 prior to its entry into the processing apparatus, and cooperates with transport rollers 66, 68, which apply tension to film 12, to position the film in a non-processing position out of engagement with the squeegee 56 and processing zones of solution.

A film threading mechanism for the processing apparatus (see FIGS. 1, 3 and comprises a pair of identical threading members, each having a pair of guide arms 72, one of the ends of which are pivotally mounted on a shaft 74, and the opposite ends thereof interconnected by a threading block 76 having a groove 78 therein. The arms 72 and blocks 76 of the members are urged by springs 80 (see FIG. 1) out of a threading position seen in full lines in FIG. 5. A pin 82 secured to the lower end of each threading block 76 has an enlarged head 84 for engaging the sides of at least one of the projections 14, 16 and 18 to provide a stop for limiting the inward movement of threading blocks 76. The heads 84 may be non-circular forming a cam for adjustably varying the distance between the threading grooves '78 to accommodate films of slightly varying width. With the threading mechanism in the threading position as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the leading end of film 12 or a leader attached thereto may be threaded through grooves 78 of threading blocks 76 and into the nip of transport rollers 66, 68. The threading mechanism may be moved against the bias of sptings 80 into a threading position by means of levers 86 connected through an overtravel spring 38 to a solenoid 99. When the solenoid is energized, it moves the threading mechanism into its threading position, and when it is de-energized, springs 80 move the threading mechanism into its inoperative or non-threading position.

The mechanism for moving film 12 between processing and non-processing positions comprises a cam 92 mounted on a shaft 94 of a reversible motor 96. A film moving shoe 98 is provided having an outer surface 190 that is complementary to the upper surfaces 38, 49 and 42 of the processing projections. A lever 102 pivotally mounted on a pin 104 has one end thereof pivotally secured to a pin 105 extending from one side of shoe 98 at one end thereof, and its opposite end forming a cam follower 106. Another lever 102' on the opposite side of shoe 98 is pivoted about pin 104 and has one end pivotally secured to pin 105' on the opposite side of shoe 98. Springs 108 urge levers 102, 102 in a clockwise direction pressing cam follower 196 into engagement with the periphery of cam 92. A lever 110 on one side of shoe 98 is pivotally mounted on pin 1614, and has one end thereof pivotally connected to a shaft 111, and the other end thereof forming a cam follower 114. Another lever 110 on the opposite side of shoe 98 has one end pivotally connected to shaft 104, and its opposite end pivotally connected to shaft 111. The weight of shoe 98 urges levers 110, 110 in a counterclockwise direction pressing cam follower 114 into engagement with the periphery of cam 92. The opposite end of levers 112, 112' are pivotally connected to respective pins 113, 113' extending from opposite sides of the other end of shoe 98. By virtue of the cam 92 and levers 102, 162', 110, 110, 112 and 112', the shoe 98 is movable between a normal inoperative position, in which film 12 is in its non-processing position, and an operative position, in which film 12 is moved to a processing position. To position shoe 98 in its operative position so that a desired clearance between the surface 100 of shoe 98 and the upper surfaces 38, 40 and 42 is achieved, the pins 185, 105 on shoe 98 nest in notches 118, 118 in a pair of plates 120, 120 (see FIGS. 1, 3, and 7) secured to opposite sides of the processing block. A pair of flanges 121, 121 secured to plates 120, 120' respectively by any suitable means, laterally position shoe 98 with respect to block 10. The opposite end of shoe 98 has a flange 122 with a set screw 124 therethrough for engaging a fixed plate 126 as seen in FIG. 1. By adjusting set screw 124, it is possible to adi y y the clearance between shoe 9s and the upper surfaces 38, 40 and 42.

In the operation of this invention, the processing device is normally in the inoperative position as shown in FIG. 3 with the threading mechanism in the non-threading position. The operator energizes solenoid by any suitable switch, not shown, which moves the threading mechanism into its threading position. The leading end of film 12 is then fed manually through the threading mechanism and into the nip of transport rollers 66, 68. When the threading is completed, solenoid 90 is de-energize-d permitting the threading mechanism to be moved to its normal non-threading position. To initiate processing, motor 96 is energized by gang connected switches S and S (see FIG. 6) causing motor shaft 94 and cam 92 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction for moving shoe 98 toward processing block 10 by virtue of cam 92 and levers 102, 102, 110, 112 and 112'. Initial movement of cam 92 causes the front end of shoe 98 to move into engagement with the base of film 12, and to urge the emulsion surface of the film initially into engagement with squeegee 56, and then sequentially into engagement with the rinsing, fixing and developing zones of solution in that order. When the shoe 98 is moved to its operative position, the motor 96 is deenergized' by the opening of switches S S by a pin 128 on cam 92. Substantially simultaneously, shoe 98 closes a. switch S energizing a transport mot-or 130 for driving the transport rollers 66, 68 for transporting film 12, now in its processing position as seen in FIG. 1, through the processing apparatus. If it is suddenly found desirable to interrupt the processing, motor 96 is energized by closing gang connected switches S and S for operation in the reverse direction driving cam 92 in a clockwise direction for sequentially retracting film moving shoe 98 from the developing, fixing and rinsing zones of solution, and squeegee 56 in that order. Since fihn 12 lifts away from the rinse zone of solution, and squeegee 56 last, ninsing and squeegeeing of the developer and fix solutions fro-m film 12 before the machine is shut down is assured. It is obvious that if sh-0e 98 and film 12 were lifted evenly away from processing block 10, that the developing and fixing solutions applied to the film immediately before it lifts away from the solutions would not be rinsed and squeegeed off, and the solution thereon may flow along the film, spoiling some of the processed film and also contaminating transport rollers 66, 68 and other parts of the apparatus. When film moving shoe 98 is moved to its fully retracted position, it opens switch S deenergizing transport motor 130, and pin 128 on cam 92 opens switches S S deenergizing the cam motor 96.

The (invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention as described hereinabove, and as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an apparatus having a processing solution zone and a rinsing zone for processing a strip of exposed photosensitive material which is transported past said zones in succession, the combination comprising:

means for positioning in and transporting a strip of exposed photosensitive material through a non-processing position in which said strip is out of surface contact with said processing solution and rinsing zones; strip moving means comprising a shoe having a strip engaging surface conforming substantially to the surfaces of said processing solution zone and said rinsing zone movable between an inoperative position, in which said strip remains in its non -processing position, and an operative position in which said strip is located in a processing position with the photosensitive surface of said strip in contact with said processing solution and rinsing zones, and including means for controlling the movement of said strip moving means to move said photosensitivesurface of said stn'p sequentially into surface contact with said rinsing zone and then said processing solution zone during movement of said strip moving means to its operative position, and to retract said photosensitive surface of said strip sequentially from surface contact with said processing solution zone and then said rinsing zone during movement of said strip moving means to its inoperative position.

2. The invention according to claim 1, and further including a squeegee against which said strip is moved first during movement of said strip moving means to its operative position, said strip being retracted from said squeegee last during movement of said strip moving means to its inoperative position.

3. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said movement controlling means of said strip moving means comprises a rotatable cam, and lever means connected to said shoe and responsive to said earn.

4. The invention according to claim 3 wherein said lever means comprises a first lever pivotal about a post 20 6 about said post and having one end thereof in engagement with the periphery of said cam, and a third lever having one end pivotally connected to the opposite end of said second lever and its other end pivotally connected to the opposite end of said shoe.

5. The invention according to claim 1, and further including stop means for said strip moving means in its operative position to provide the desired clearance between said strip engaging surface and said surface of said processing solution and rinsing zones.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,847,833 3/1932 Horst 9589 1,929,180 10/1933 Teitel 9594 X FOREIGN PATENTS 212,897 2/ 1958 Australia.

NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner.

C. B. PRICE, Examiner. 

1. IN AN APPARATUS HAVING A PROCESSING SOLUTION ZONE AND A RINSING ZONE FOR PROCESSING A STRIP OF EXPOSED PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIAL WHICH IS TRANSPORTED PAST SAID ZONES IN SUCCESSION, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING: MEANS FOR POSITIONING IN AND TRANSPORTING A STRIP OF EXPOSED PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIAL THROUGH A NON-PROCESSING POSITION IN WHICH SAID STRIP IS OUT OF SURFACE CONTACT WITH SAID PROCESSING SOLUTION AND RINSING ZONES; STRIP MOVING MEANS COMPRISING A SHOE HAVING A STRIP ENGAGING SURFACE CONFORMING SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE SURFACES OF SAID PROCESSING SOLUTION ZONE AND SAID RINSING ZONE MOVABLE BETWEEN AN INOPERATIVE POSITION, IN WHICH SAID STRIP REMAINS IN ITS NON-PROCESSING POSITION, AND AN OPERATIVE POSITION IN WHICH SAID STRIP IS LOCATED IN A PROCESSING POSITION WITH THE PHOTOSENSITIVE SURFACE OF SAID STRIP IN CONTACT WITH SAID PROCESSING SOLUTION AND RINSING ZONES, AND INCLUDING MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE MOVEMENT OF SAID STRIP MOVING MEANS TO MOVE SAID PHOTOSENSITIVE SURFACE OF SAID STRIP SEQUENTIALLY INTO SURFACE CONTACT WITH SAID RINSING ZONE AND THEN SAID PROCESSING SOLUTION ZONE DURING MOVEMENT OF SAID STRIP MOVING MEANS TO ITS OPERATIVE POSITION, AND TO RETRACT SAID PHOTOSENSITIVE SURFACE OF SAID STRIP SEQUENTIALLY FROM SURFACE CONTACT WITH SAID PROCESSING SOLUTION ZONE AND THEN SAID RINSING ZONE DURING MOVEMENT OF SAID STRIP MOVING MEANS TO ITS INOPERATIVE POSITION. 